Lagos probes death of two-year-old pupil in school’s swimming pool

A tragic cloud looms over Smiley Kids Montessori School in Sangotedo, Lagos Island, following the sudden death of a two-year-old pupil.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, January 15, has sparked outrage and demands for justice, with the grieving mother alleging foul play.

The heartbroken mother, known on X (formerly Twitter) as @AbiaPrincess_X, took to the platform to narrate her ordeal. In an emotional post, she revealed that her daughter, who left for school in good health, tragically returned lifeless.

School officials claimed the child drowned in the swimming pool, but the mother suspects a more sinister turn of events.

“They told me my daughter drowned, but I found out she was electrocuted, and they placed her body in the pool to cover up,” the grieving mother alleged. Sharing photos of the school’s pool, which was secured with a high barricade, she questioned how a two-year-old could have bypassed such safeguards unaided.

Accompanying her post was a desperate plea for the Lagos State Government to investigate. “Please, if you have your child in that school, be aware. They lied that they’re closed for maintenance. I lost my Pinky Ella,” she wrote, tagging state officials and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

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In response, the Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the incident, promising justice for the bereaved family. The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilayo Adeniyi-Vivour, expressed condolences and assured the public of swift action.

“Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time,” Adeniyi-Vivour responded on the DSVA’s X handle. “We are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. Justice will be served.”

Adeniyi-Vivour announced that a delegation from the Lagos State Taskforce on Safeguarding and Child Protection, comprising officials from various government agencies—including the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, and Lagos State Safety Commission—would visit the school for a fact-finding mission.

The task force is also working closely with the police, including the Ogombo Police Division and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, to support the ongoing criminal investigation. “Anyone found culpable will face prosecution,” Adeniyi-Vivour emphasized.

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